What is a Specialization?
A specialization is a curated set of courses designed to help you deepen your knowledge in a specific sub-field of your main discipline. It enables you to develop advanced expertise in a focused area as part of your Master’s degree.
Choosing between a Specialization or a Minor
You may choose to pursue either a specialization or a complementary minor offered by another Master’s program at EPFL—but not both. Please note that you may only register for and claim (at most) one specialization on your Master’s degree. Students enrolled in a minor cannot take courses outside their study plan, except for CS- and COM- codified courses offered by IC.
Structure and credits
Pursuing a specialization is optional and is considered complete once you have earned at least 30 ECTS under the same specialization label (i.e., AI & Data Science [K], Computer Systems [L], Foundations of Computing [M], Cyber Security [N], starting from Autumn 2025), drawn from Groups 1 and 2, as defined in your Master’s study plan. Credits from unlisted courses offered by other sections (up to a maximum of 15 ECTS), which may be taken to partially fulfill the Group 2 requirement, do not count toward the specialization. Additionally, credits earned from research projects, whether mandatory or optional, do not fulfill specialization requirements.
Registration timeline and procedure
You must register for your specialization no later than the beginning of the second semester of your Master’s program. Registration is completed through the “Registration for Courses” section on IS-Academia and must be finalized by the Friday of the second week of the second semester. Registration is only possible during the official course registration period.
Upon successful completion, your specialization will be officially recorded in your Diploma Supplement.
Specializations starting from Autumn 2025
Develop intelligent models and make sense of large datasets. This specialization gives you the theoretical foundations and practical tools to design modern AI systems and apply data-driven techniques across a variety of fields.
You will take courses in areas such as:
- Core AI and machine learning: Machine learning, Learning theory, Optimization for machine learning
- Neural networks and deep learning: Learning in neural networks, Deep learning in biomedicine, Deep reinforcement learning
- Natural language processing and vision: Introduction to NLP, Modern NLP, Foundation models & generative AI, Computer vision, Visual intelligence
- Applied data science: Applied data analysis, Large-scale data science, Data visualization
- Interdisciplinary applications: AI Product management, Experience design, Digital education, Machine learning for behavioral data
This track is ideal if you are aiming to work in AI research, machine learning engineering, or any field that leverages intelligent systems and big data. It also provides a strong foundation for roles in data science, AI product development, and interdisciplinary applications of AI, or for pursuing doctoral studies in artificial intelligence and data-centric computing.
Design and build the systems that power modern computing—from low-level software to advanced hardware and high-performance networks.
You will take courses in areas such as:
- System software and architecture: Advanced operating systems, Advanced compiler construction, Advanced computer architecture, Advanced multiprocessor architecture, Embedded system design
- Distributed and networked systems: Distributed algorithms, Decentralized systems engineering, Mobile networks, Advanced networks, Systems programming for Systems-on-Chip
- Security and performance: Software security, Systems for data management and data science, Principles of computer systems
- Application and hardware-level design: Advanced computer graphics, Design technologies for integrated systems, Modern digital communications
This specialization prepares you for roles in systems engineering, infrastructure development, embedded systems, and performance optimization across software and hardware. It’s also well-suited for students interested in pursuing research, doctoral studies, or careers in areas like operating systems, compilers, digital hardware design, and networked computing environments.
Explore the theoretical and mathematical principles that form the backbone of computer science. Ideal for students passionate about algorithms, complexity, cryptography, formal methods, and data science theory.
You will take courses in areas such as:
- Theoretical computer science: Algorithms II, Computational complexity, Formal verification, Topics in Theoretical CS, Interactive theorem proving
- Cryptography and security: Cryptography and security, Advanced cryptography, Introduction to quantum cryptography, Security protocols and applications
- Mathematics and probability: Advanced probability and applications, Markov chains for algorithmic applications, Foundations of probabilistic proofs, Information theory and coding
- Learning theory and data: Learning theory, Foundations of data science
- Specialized topics: Advanced computer graphics, Concurrent computing, Distributed algorithms, Computers and music, Networks out of control
This track is ideal if you are considering a career in research, theoretical computer science, cryptographic systems, formal methods, or data science theory, or if you aim to pursue doctoral studies or contribute to the development of foundational technologies in academia, industry, or interdisciplinary fields.
Learn how to protect modern systems from ever-evolving threats. This specialization equips you with both theoretical foundations and practical tools for securing software, hardware, and networks.
You will take courses in areas such as:
- Core security principles: Cryptography and security, Information security and privacy
- Advanced cryptography and privacy: Advanced cryptography, Advanced topics on privacy-enhancing technologies, Security protocols and applications
- Software and hardware protection: Software security, Secure hardware design, Topics in software security
- Formal methods and verification: Formal verification, Interactive theorem proving, Foundations of probabilistic proofs
- Distributed systems: Decentralized systems engineering, Advanced computer architecture
- Emerging areas: Introduction to quantum cryptography
This specialization prepares you for careers in cybersecurity engineering, secure systems design, cryptographic protocol development, and the protection of critical infrastructure. It also serves as a solid foundation for advanced research, PhD programs, or roles in government, defense, and industries where information security and system integrity are paramount.

Study plan 2025-26 course calculator
Use this course calculator to explore your options and plan your studies according to the new curriculum. Valid only for students starting the program in Autumn 2025.

Key Points
Current students can also download this study guide for easy reference about their studies (PDF, 526 KB).

General FAQ
Find answers to common questions about academic progression, study plans, projects, and regulations from Master’s to post-Master’s.